Top Ten Scariest Spiders

October 17, 2012

There is something about spiders that makes people’s skin crawl; maybe it has to do with all those hairy legs? To get in the spirit of spooky Halloween, we are diving into the world of the top ten scariest spiders. After looking at this top ten list you may think that all spiders are scary but remember they rarely bite and very few are dangerous. Spiders are also really important to the environment because most eat other insects, which help control pest populations. If you do see venomous spiders, like the ones in this list, remember to stay away! Although they rarely bite it’s much safer to not test their mood.

Spider Family: New World Tarantula (Theraphosidae)

These spiders are known for being really big and really hairy. Some are excellent climbers and live in trees, while others are found primarily on the ground. Estimated number of species: 939

Size: Leg span of 30cm.
Location: Northern Amazon rainforests of South America
Scary details: This is the world’s biggest tarantula and the heaviest spider, weighing in at about 170g. They have really big fangs and barbed hairs or bristles that they can flick at predators. However, they aren’t much danger to humans. When they are feeling threatened, they will send out a warning noise by rubbing the bristles on their legs. If you miss the warning and do end up getting bitten, the Goliath Birdeater Tarantula’s venom isn’t very toxic to humans.
Sources: P.D. Hillyard. The Private Life of Spiders. London: New Holland Publishers, 2007: page 69http://eol.org/pages/1182372/detailshttp://www.smugmug.com/gallery/16582998_dHjbS#!i=1249290217&k=wRuKg

Spider Family: Jumping spiders (Salticidae)

These spiders, found all over the world, are known for their wicked jumping skills and their remarkable eyesight. These survival traits are so amazing that jumping spiders are considered one of the most evolved families of spiders. Estimated number of species: 5468

Zebra spider. Flickr Credit: Pim van den Heuvel

Scariest Spider in this Family: Zebra spider (Salticus scenicus)

Size: Has a body length of 5-7mmLocation: These spiders are found in Europe, northern Asia and North AmericaScary details: The idea of a spider jumping at you is pretty scary. Zebra spiders can jump about 20x their own length which sounds terrifying, but being just 7mm, that means they can only jump about 14cm. After putting that into perspective, these guys don’t seem so scary after all. Besides, how can someone be scared of a face like that?Sources: http://www.arkive.org/zebra-spider/salticus-scenicus/image-A12958.htmlP.D. Hillyard. The Private Life of Spiders:page 34-35

Spider Family: Huntsman spiders (Sparassidae)

These spiders get their name from their speed and hunting skills. They tend to live in warm temperate regions. They do not build webs, but forage for food instead. Estimated number of species: 1123

Size: Over 4.6cm in body length and has a 25-30cm leg spanLocation: LaosScary Details: This spider has the widest leg span in the world which is enough to give anyone the creeps. While human encounters do occur, these spiders aren’t necessarily aggressive unless you disturb their nest or are considered a threat. They also give you a warning before biting.Sources: Peter Jaeger. A new species of Heteropoda (Araneae, Sparassidae, Heteropodinae) from Laos, the largest huntsman spider? Zoosystema 23.3 (2001): pages 461-465.http://zipcodezoo.com/Key/Animalia/Sparassidae_Family.asp

Spider Family: Wolf spiders (Lycosidae)

These spiders are amazing hunters and have really good eyesight. They rely on camouflage for protection and many live and hunt on the ground. Estimated number of species: 2388

Size: Can grow to 3cm in body lengthLocation: southern Europe, especially around ItalyScary details: During the 17th century, a bite from this spider was believed to cause “Tarantism,” a potentially fatal disorder that caused restlessness and excitability. However, now it is widely believed that tarantism was due to a relative of the black widow. The tarantula wolf spider rarely attacks humans and their bite is no more painful than a bee sting.Sources: http://zipcodezoo.com/Key/Animalia/Lycosidae_Family.aspMobileReference. First Aid Guide and Home Doctor for Smartphones and Mobile Devices. Mobi Health Series (2007): “Lycosa tarantula”

Spider Family: Wandering spiders (Ctenidae)

These spiders don’t catch prey in webs, rather they ambush prey on the ground. Estimated number of species: 468

Spider Family: Recluse spiders (Sicariidae)

This family is known for being venomous. They are found around the world in warm climates. Estimated number of species: 125

Six-eyed Sand Spider with its prey

Scariest Spider in this Family: Six-eyed sand spider (Sicarius hahni)

Size: Body length of 9-19mm and a 50mm leg spanLocation: Western half of southern AfricaScary Details: This spider is a cousin of the brown recluse spider and can be just as toxic. It hides under the sand and waits for its prey to come too close. Currently there isn’t an anti-venom for the six-eyed sand spider, but there are very few recorded bites and they seem highly unlikely to bite humans. These spiders are very shy and timid. Rather than attack, it will run away and hide under the sand if it is disturbed.Sources: http://www.biodiversityexplorer.org/arachnids/spiders/sicariidae/sicarius.htmhttp://eol.org/pages/181/details P.D. Hillyard. The Private Life of Spiders:pages 116-117

Spider Family: Funnel spiders (Hexathelidae)

Some species belonging to the Hexathelidae family are found in South America, Africa, but most live around Asia Pacific. Their name comes from the shape of their web. Estimated number of species: 105

Size: Usually grow to be 7.5cm in body lengthLocation: Around the southern United States, Argentina and Peru. This is the only member of this family found in the Western Hemisphere, the rest live in the South Pacific.Scary details: These spiders build their webs with strong silk and are often found from 2 to 8 feet above the ground, so be careful when walking in Golden Silk Orb-weaver territory or you might stumble into one. Thankfully, while this spider is venomous, it is not lethal to humans. Like the tarantula wolf spider, their bite is comparable to a bee sting!Sources: http://bugguide.net/node/view/2023http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/accounts/Nephila_clavipes/

Spider Family: Cobweb spiders (Theridiidae)

While many spider webs are beautifully designed and patterned, the cobweb spider is an exception to the rule. Their webs are known for looking tangled and unorganized. Estimated number of species: 2350

Size: Body length is about 9mm, with a 25-35mm leg spanLocation: Mostly around the United States, but some are found in southern Canada, Mexico and South AmericaScary details: This spider might be small, but it packs a powerful bite. Its venom is believed to be 15x more toxic than a rattlesnake’s. Thankfully, Black widows are timid and not aggressive. Its first defence method is to drop out of its web and pretend to be dead.Sources: http://bugguide.net/node/view/26336http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/accounts/Latrodectus_mactans/